Moye making most of opportunity

For the second consecutive day rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton (finger) was the only Steelers player absent from practice.

Wheaton has missed the past two games and has been declared out by Coach Mike Tomlin for Sunday’s game at Oakland.

Wheaton’s continued absence might mean another opportunity for wide receiver Derek Moye, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound first-year pro. Moye was born and raised in Rochester, Pa., about a one hour drive northwest of Pittsburgh.

Moye had been inactive for the Steelers’ games on Sept. 22 against Chicago and on Sept. 29 against Minnesota in London but has been in the lineup ever since Wheaton sustained his injury against the Vikings.

Moye’s afternoon last Sunday against Baltimore included a 19-yard catch in traffic on third-and-5 from the Ravens’ 38-yard line in the second quarter, plus a play Moye was unable to make in the end zone on third-and-5 from the Ravens’ 20-yard line in the fourth quarter.

“I just kind of didn’t concentrate at the end,” Moye said of the latter opportunity. “I gotta make that play. (Quarterback) Ben (Roethlisberger) threw a perfect ball, and for whatever reason I didn’t concentrate at the end and it went right through my hands.”

Moye was able to make his 19-yard reception despite being flipped into the air by Ravens safety Matt Elam and cornerback Lardarius Webb.

“Ben threw a good ball there, as well,” Moye said. “He threw it high were I could get it. The two defenders took out my legs. While I was in the air I was thinking, ‘Just hold onto the ball.’

“Obviously, it would have been a really good game for me if I made the play in the end zone. I have to work on being more consistent, making the plays that I’m supposed to make to be an NFL receiver.

“The one I dropped and the one I caught, they were both third-down plays and big plays in the game. I think that shows the staff has some confidence in me.”

Ben Roethlisberger said his only words to Moye following the drop were, “I’m not going to shy away from throwing you a pass or coming to you the next time.

“I don’t think a lot needed to be said to him,” Roethlisberger said. “I don’t get on him. It was one play that wasn’t made, and I’m sure he’ll make it the next time.”